Australian Drone Laws & Regulations

Planning to fly a drone in Australia? Whether you’re flying for fun or for work, all drone pilots must follow Australian drone laws set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This guide breaks down the essential regulations, requirements, and restrictions so you can fly safely and legally.

Are Drones Legal in Australia?

Yes. Drones are legal in Australia, but all pilots—recreational and commercial—must follow CASA’s rules under Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

Australia separates drone flying into two main categories:

• Recreational (Flying for Fun)
• Commercial / Business Operations

How you fly determines what rules and certifications you need.

Australian Drone Laws at a Glance

Here are the core rules every pilot must follow in Australia, regardless of experience level:

• Fly below 120 m (400 ft) above ground level
• Always fly within visual line of sight (VLOS)
• Keep at least 30 m away from other people
• Never fly over crowds or busy areas
• Fly only one drone at a time
• Avoid flying near emergency operations
• Do not fly in restricted or prohibited airspace
• Stay 5.5 km (3 NM) from controlled aerodromes unless approved

These are known as Australia’s Standard Operating Conditions.

Australian Recreational Drone Flying

If you’re flying a drone for fun, you are considered a recreational pilot.

Registration Requirements

You must register your drone if it:

• Weighs more than 250 g, and
• Is flown for sport or recreation

Drones under 250 g (like many minis) do not need registration for recreational use.

Licensing Requirements

• No licence is required to fly recreationally.
• You must follow all standard safety rules.

Australian Commercial Drone Flying

If you’re flying a drone for work (any paid or business purpose), you are considered a commercial pilot, even if flying is only a small part of the job.

Registration Requirements

• All drones used for work must be registered, no matter the weight.

Pilot Requirements

Depending on how you operate, you may fall into one of these categories:

1. Excluded Category (Most Common for Small Jobs)

For drones up to 25 kg under standard conditions:

• No ReOC required
• No RePL required
• RPA Operator Accreditation is required

This covers many small commercial jobs such as real estate photography or roof inspections.

2. ReOC + RePL (Advanced Operations)

You need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and your business needs a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) if you want to:

• Fly over 120 m
• Fly near controlled aerodromes
• Fly at night
• Fly in controlled airspace
• Conduct EVLOS or BVLOS operations
• Use larger drones over 25 kg

Minimum age for RePL: 16 years old

Australian Drone Weight Categories

CASA classifies drones by weight:

Your drone’s weight affects:

• Registration requirements
• Accreditation or licensing needs
• Whether you fall under Excluded or ReOC operations

Where You Can and Cannot Fly in Australia

You Must Avoid:

• Controlled aerodromes (5.5 km / 3 NM restriction)
• Restricted or prohibited airspace
• Emergency and fire operations
• Crowds, festivals, stadiums
• National parks, unless permitted

You May Need Special Permission To:

• Fly at night
• Fly above 120 m
• Fly BVLOS or EVLOS
• Operate in controlled airspace
• Conduct operations in heavily built-up areas

Always use CASA’s official airspace tools before flying.

Australian Drone Privacy and Data Laws

CASA regulates aviation safety, not privacy.
However, drone pilots must comply with:

• Privacy Act 1988
• State and territory Surveillance Device Acts
• Trespass and nuisance laws
• Local council filming restrictions

Best practices:

• Avoid filming people where they expect privacy
• Obtain consent when filming identifiable individuals
• Protect sensitive images and data, especially when working commercially

Australian Drone Penalties

CASA and local authorities actively enforce drone regulations.

Penalties can include:

• Warnings and education
• On-the-spot fines
• Court-issued penalties
• Criminal charges for dangerous or reckless flying

Serious violations (e.g., endangering aircraft or flying into restricted airspace) can incur significant fines or prosecution.

Resources for Drone Pilots in Australia

Helpful resources include:

• CASA “Know Your Drone” website
• myCASA portal (registration, licensing, accreditation)
• CASA-approved airspace apps
• CASA-approved RePL training providers

FAQs: Australian Drone Laws

Do I need to register my drone?

• Yes, for all drones used for work
• Yes, for recreational drones over 250 g
• No, for recreational drones under 250 g

Do I need a licence to fly a drone?

• Recreational pilots: No
• Commercial pilots: Only if flying outside Excluded Category rules

Can I fly at night?

Only with ReOC + RePL or other CASA approval.

Can I fly over private property?

CASA doesn’t prohibit it, but privacy laws still apply.

Can I fly near an airport?

Not within 5.5 km of controlled aerodromes without permission.